Different types of
Galaxies
“Galaxies come in many shapes and sizes. Here are the main types scientists have identified.”
Spiral Galaxies
Spiral galaxies are shaped like a rotating disk with long, curved arms that spiral outward from a bright central core. They are among the most recognizable and beautiful galaxy types.
- Bright central bulge made of older stars
- Spiral arms filled with young stars, dust, and gas
- Thin rotating disk
- Surrounded by a dark matter halo
Star Population:
- Mix of old stars (center) and young stars (arms)
Examples:
- Milky Way
- Andromeda Galaxy
- Triangulum Galaxy
Fun Fact:
Most star formation in spiral galaxies happens inside the spiral arms.
Elliptical Galaxies
Elliptical galaxies are smooth, round or oval-shaped galaxies containing mostly old stars. They have little gas or dust, meaning very few new stars form inside them.
- Shape ranges from nearly spherical to stretched oval
- Very little gas and dust
- Mostly old, red stars
- Can be small or extremely massive
Star Population:
- Almost entirely old stars
Examples:
- M87
- Maffei 1
Fun Fact:
Some giant elliptical galaxies contain trillions of stars, making them among the largest galaxies known.